By Lani Gering

It was an extremely warm day in southern Maryland last month and I was looking for something a bit “cooler” to do that didn’t involve finding an adventure that included subzero air conditioning. I used to make fun of people walking round with sweaters, etc. in the middle of the summer until it FINALLY dawned on me that they must know their indoor destination was going to register temps in the 50’s! In any case, I decided that a stroll through Annmarie Sculpture Gardens might be just the ticket. It was a stellar decision.

After checking in at the desk in the Arts Building (you can also check in at the Welcome Booth at the entrance of one of the paths) and making my $5 donation, I picked up a map for the first time on a visit. I am usually zeroed in on a particular location or event when I have visited in the past but this time, I was there to just take my time and check it all out.

I started with a walk around the Arts Building and checked out the current “Winging It: Bird Art” exhibit on the main floor. While not a huge fan of birds in general (long story why), there are some very interesting sculptures and amazing paintings on display. There were also a group of day campers getting all squared away for their educational “walk about” and there was some sort of major activity taking place in the artLAB as well.

Heading out the back door and circling back to the Welcome Booth and what I deem the main entrance, I had my map in hand as I walked along. As I entered the forest – it really is 30 acres of woods – and the Sculpture Trail, the temperature went from the low 90’s to a very pleasant high 70’s give or take. Keep in mind, I have walked these paths more than once over the last several years but this is the first time I actually made the effort to really pay attention to how absolutely amazing this place is. (Full disclosure, however, one year I went specifically to take in the Fairy & Gnome home trail a few years ago and did pay attention to all of those fun creations since I was writing about it.)

My first “revelation” was when I figured out that the very happening detour off of the trail on to an elevated winding boardwalk-type path through the woods that I have walked before is actually a piece of art! Yes, this wood and steel structure is called “A Surveyors Map” and is the creation of Jann Rosen-Queralt and Roma Campanile from Baltimore. Constructed in 1998, it is “representative of the roads, crossroads, zig zags and benchmarks that constitute one’s memories, like a surveyors map”. A bit “too deep” for me but now that I know I have been inside actual art, I am very impressed with it.

There are several places to sit along the trail and options to take different directions while still ending back close to where you started. Not quite half way through my trek and stopping at several of the sculptures along the way, I sat down to answer some texts and emails (it was a working day) in a bright blue Adirondak chair in front of the jaws of the huge Megalodon Shark Jaw sculpture by Henry Langley III. It is representative of the many local prehistoric shark teeth discoveries along Calvert Cliffs. Most of which are housed in the Calvert Marine Museum just down the road in Solomons – another fun place to visit in Calvert County.

After taking care of business, I continued on the path checking off the sculptures on my map as I went along. There are so many varied and interesting pieces on this property that I didn’t have time to fully check them all out up close but will circle back to them at some point in a future visit.

I do wish that I had had the foresight to take a bottle of water with me and maybe even a snack but I knew I was headed for early dinner after my visit so the thought didn’t cross my mind. I suggest that if you are taking kids or wanting to have a picnic of sorts (no alcohol allowed), packing some light eats and beverages is a good idea. Be very cognizant of taking out everything you take in!!

To give you a better understanding of what you can expect on your visit, here are some key highlights and attractions, many of which I mentioned above:

The Sculpture Trail: A beautifully paved loop that winds through 30 wooded acres, featuring permanent and rotating large-scale works, including several on loan from the Smithsonian Institution.

Fairy Lolly & “TreeMendous” Trail: A whimsical, natural outdoor children’s play area filled with handmade fairy houses, gnomes, and interactive hidden surprises. Fairy Lolly creative play area, community-crafted “Talking Benches”, and large-scale boulder carvings crafted by resident artists.

The Arts Building: A large indoor facility housing two distinct rotating art galleries, the Nature Nook educational space, the creative re-use “artLAB,” a pottery/clay studio, and a gift shop.

Seasonal Events: Widely famous for major community events, such as its annual 3-day Artsfest in September and the immersive Garden in Lights winter walking experience. Authors Note: The Garden in Lights is a not to miss experience.

For those of you who are interested in the history of the property, I conjured up my Google search pals and offer the following background information:

Chronological History & Evolution

The Visionary Purchase (1960): Francis Koenig, a prominent Washington D.C. architect and developer, originally purchased the 30-acre parcel of land in Solomons, Maryland, purely as an investment. Over the next three decades, the family repeatedly rejected massive financial offers from developers to preserve the forest.

The Donation & Early Years (1991–2002): Realizing the land was a perfect opportunity to give back to the community, the Koenig family officially deeded the property to Calvert County in 1991. Over the next decade, walking paths were cleared into “hallways” through the woods, and the garden’s first six permanent sculptures were commissioned and installed. The very first piece commissioned was “A Tribute to the Oyster Tonger, A Chesapeake Waterman” (1994) by Antonio Tobias Mendez, which honored the local maritime culture.

Smithsonian Affiliation (2003): A massive milestone occurred when Annmarie became an official Smithsonian Institution Affiliate. This prestigious partnership granted the garden long-term loan privileges, allowing world-class works from the Smithsonian’s Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden to be permanently integrated into the Maryland forest.

The Arts Building Expansion (2008): To transition the park into a year-round arts destination, the award-winning indoor Arts Building opened to the public. Funding for the facility was a collaborative effort between the State of Maryland, Calvert County Commissioners, and the non-profit support groups Friends of Annmarie Garden, the Koenig Private Foundation, and Ann’s Circle, Inc.

Recent Milestones & Growth: The campus eventually expanded from its original 30 acres to a robust 50-acre forest and meadow landscape. It has evolved into an interactive community art space, featuring continuous additions like the children’s

General Visitor Information

Hours: Outdoor grounds are open Monday–Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and Saturday–Sunday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Note: The indoor Arts Building opens at 10:00 AM daily and is typically closed on Tuesdays.

Standard Admission: An affordable $5 for adults, $4 for seniors/military, $3 for youth (ages 6–17), and free for children 5 and under. Annual members get free daily entry. Pricing varies for special ticketed events.

Pet Policy: Leashed dogs are welcome on the grounds during regular daily visits, but pets are prohibited during major festivals and special events.

Directions: From the Beltway: Take Route 4 South toward Prince Frederick. Continue on 4 South past Prince Frederick toward Solomons and watch for the Dowell Road left hand turn. You will see a Hilton Garden Inn and the Ruddy Duck restaurant and a very tall flag pole with a very big flag flying at the turn. Left on Dowell Road and the Garden is less than 1/4 mile on left.

Keep in mind that they have several events for kids and adults alike on a regular basis as well. Check out all of the details you need to know at http://www.Annmariegarden.org.